Definition of "penannular" []

• Forming an almost complete ring, but with a break or opening. (adjective)

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• "The earliest forms of brooches were the annular, -- that is, a long pin with a hinged ring at its head for ornament, and the "penannular," or pin with a broken circle at its head."
• "The north granary had been used as a rubbish dump after its roof collapsed in around 350, and the rubbish deposits included coins dated to the 380s and two penannular (ring) brooches of a type dated to the very end of or just after the Roman period in Britain (Wilmott 2001 p.121)."
• "'I thought your cloak clasp was a family jewel,' she said, remembering the huge penannular thistle she had seen him wearing."